London Underground strikes disrupt travel on June 2 and 4

London faced significant travel disruption this week as a series of strikes by Underground train drivers brought large parts of the Tube network to a near standstill. The industrial action, organized by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, took place on Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4, 2026, in a dispute over proposed changes to working hours.

The strikes centered on Transport for London's plan to introduce a voluntary four-day working week for drivers. Under the proposal, drivers would work longer individual shifts, up to 10 hours, but would gain an extra day off, maintaining their existing pay. TfL has described the changes as optional and aimed at improving work-life balance. The RMT, however, has raised concerns that the new system could increase fatigue, pose safety risks, and erode existing terms and conditions. The union is seeking a 32-hour, four-day week without an increase in shift length.

The impact was severe on both strike days. No service ran on the Circle or Piccadilly lines, on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, or on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street. Other lines operated with reduced frequency, with TfL...